The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1887-09-07

S'The Solution is Herc,,---A gain.
Editor Mirror:
1t is not my intention to prolong the discus
sion, pro- or con-, of the merits dement's of the
editorial by your predecessor, which my fellow
convict "F p. L. critcizes with such bitter sar-
casm in your issue of the 3lst ult. The editor in
question is not among now to refute it; he has
gone lover the prison wall'' to join the great
jority out of Jail. He was self-confident of
accomplishing his reformation unaided by
any charitable influence; strong in his Own con-
ceit and Cheek and his peculiar ability to make
susceptible people think the moon made of con-
denced milk. Let us wish him success, whether
he enters free journalism again for living, or
another penitentary. But when ''F. p. L. in
his philippe directs his structures and bit
ter nvective against the humane and benevolent
association known as the t'Associated Charities
and Corrections he displays either a lamentable
this noble Institution, or wilful preversion OF
protest. 1t is in fact. the grandest collection and
ans that this, our poasted enlightened ninteenth
century, has produced, in this or any other coun-
try.
aid to the worthy and needy poor in all our large
cities. it seeks the amelioration Of the convict in
all the prisons of this great country; and if he
will but apply to them, upon his discharge from
penal servtude. they will assist him in obtaining
honest employment and aid him in any laudable
effort he may make to regain his lost manhood and
honor.
Within the past few days this benevolent fell
1,o. hold
Neb., and has inspected the state prison at Lin
coln 1t is the latent power, the STILL small voice
which, backed by the greater power-public opin-
iOn-has prompted and caused to be inaugurated
the broad, humane and liberal policy which is
marking this an era of "prison REFORM One of
its recent works is the overthrow and abolish
ment of the iniquitous ''convict camp" system
of Georgia.
Now in view of all these facts, how can our
friend claim that this great friend of the convict
and ex-convict "does not aim at the reform of
penal institutions?' and add the Obloquy that
''there is enough sham in their pretensions?'
Perhaps the roseate hue of the 'bed of roses
which he now occupies, has tinged the glass
through which he views his surroundings, and he
cannot the things and beyond the
environs. else he would know that the real strug-
gle for the cOnvict's reformation begins after he
makes his exit from the prison. and once again
comes in contact with the temptations and dangers
of the outer world. Just outside and before he
can reach the train which is to speed him away
from the shadows of this dark abode, he will meet
his greatest tempter-the saloon. 'Tis then that
those noble ladies, and cO-workers with the
Charities and Corrections the Jail COM
mtties of the wv. c. T. w. and Murphy
clubs,' offer encouraging hand and loving
word, joined with tangible and practical aid, to
strengthen the weak heart and help tempted
soul to chose the right instead of the wrong
''They are friends for evil days. and show
Themselves most constant when the summer
crowd
That revels in the sun, dismayed and cowed,
Has shrunk away til softer breezes blow.
And in this tangled coil where ill see,
Be theirs to veil it with sweet charity
c. Fl. X.